Macro algae

[flinster]

I assume I know the answer, but do I/should I quarantine macro algae I plan to add to my display sump?

 

[Paul B]

I wouldn't but if you are running a quarantined tank, you would have to do something to clean that macro. I think a couple of minutes in fresh water should kill any parasites, if you are worried about them.

 

[vetteguy53081]

A typical quarantine tank is medicated and no need however if you are being cautious of parasites and such, you can place in a low salinity (1.016) for a few hours and agitate before placing in tank display

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I assume I know the answer, but do I/should I quarantine macro algae I plan to add to my display sump?

It depends on the source of the macro algae. If it came from a dealer who has algae and fish in the same tank, then it should be isolated in a tank by itself for at least 30 days. If it came from a system with NO fish in it, then you can safely put that right into your sump. Algae straight from the ocean is kind of in between those two in terms of safety.

Anything wet, moving from tank to tank has the potential to transfer disease. Here is an article on that topic:

https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/biosecurity.812/

 

[flinster]

So would a freshwater dip, say 5-10 minutes do the trick? I was thinking encysted ick could survive that

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

So would a freshwater dip, say 5-10 minutes do the trick? I was thinking encysted ick could survive that

No - ich tomonts can survive that. I know 24 hours of FW will kill them, but would also kill the algae. I don’t know the minimum time for a FW dip to kill the tomonts, but it is somewhere in between.